An anomaly in the properties of primary cosmic rays from the Vela cluster

Abstract

Based on experimental data obtained by the GAMMA array for the knee energy region, an anomaly is found in the mass composition of primary cosmic rays arriving from the region of the Vela cluster. An original difference method is used that offers high sensitivity, protection against accidental experimental errors, and the ability to separate anomalies associated with the laboratory coordinate system from those in celestial coordinates. Allowing for the multiple scattering of charged particles in the galactic magnetic fields allows parts of the sky not directly visible from the array to be studied.